A man who lights up the sky

Firework specialist and pyrotechnic expert has seen his career rocket amid changes, Xing Wen reports.

Against the dark canvas of the night, the unpredictable patterns, vibrant colors, and symphony of lights evoke feelings of joy and celebration. That somehow makes fireworks a symbol of romantic occasions and special moments.

However, in Liuyang, Hunan province, renowned as the country's primary hub for firework production and exports, the significance of their output extends beyond mere symbolism.

Zhong Liang, born in 1986 and a native of Liuyang, grew up surrounded by small workshops dedicated to the production of the pyrotechnics.

As the son of a skilled artisan, Zhong initially resisted following in the footsteps of his father and his fellow villagers.

Nevertheless, Zhong now leads a fireworks company dedicated to safety, environmental friendliness and a low-carbon footprint. He has also actively engaged in such major projects as the fireworks display for the Beijing Winter Olympics.